Starting location: Ladys Island Marina, Beaufort, SC.
Weather: 63 am, 80 pm, partly sunny – Tuesday 4/2. 58 am, 70 pm, overcast and intermittent rain, strong winds – Wednesday 4/3. 51 am, 65 pm, sunny, windy – Thursday 4/4.
Ending location: Moored in Safe Harbor Marina, Charleston, SC. MM 470 AICW.
Statute miles: 66, then 0 until departure.
General summary: We were going to anchor out between Beaufort and Charleston, but winds the following day we’re predicted to gust to 40mph, so decided to motor all the way there in one day to let the front pass while safely tied up in a marina.
It is notable that we have reached a half-way point in our year trip as we have been on the water for 6 months. Feels like we just started and also like it’s been quite a journey. I have not calculated miles travelled, but from the map it looks like we about half way around the circle. We also were held up from sea conditions then dallied in Florida for warmth so are making up time heading up the Atlantic Coast. Hope to be in the Chesapeake Bay in May and that shouldn’t be a problem. (“May on the Bay” is a local saying.) We don’t want to go too fast, however, as there are many places yet to explore.
The first day here was rainy, so I went to the Charleston Museum, which does an excellent job detailing the city’s history from times BC to current. It promotes itself as being the first museum in America.
Stopped in a nearby cafe and had shrimp and grits 😋.
The following day was sunny and we did a self-guided walking tour through the historic district.
At the downtown waterfront there were very informative metal etchings detailing historic information about the town’s development over time.
There was an often- photographed pineapple water fountain placed in the late 1990s as a symbol of Charleston’s focus on hospitality.
There was a market that has been in use for hundreds of years.
Saw The Mart, which used to be a slave market and is now a museum. A very dark part of this town’s history.
I took the ferry to visit Fort Sumter, the site of the beginning of the Civil War.
Found that this city is a foodie’s dream. Ate at a Senegalese restaurant the night before departing. Delicious!
Boater information: Safe Harbor Marina – Charleston is HUGE. Lots of bigger boats (50 feet plus) but also accommodates smaller. Minimum charge for 30 feet. Strong current, so best to get there around slack tide. Quite wakey and exposed to wind on outside, but there is a new breakwater which helps when inside. Large mooring field, as well. Has only diesel fuel. Has dockside power and water. Pump-out boat can be scheduled for $5 and comes to your slip. Has bathrooms, showers, laundry, secure wifi. No pool or hot tub. Has a really great free shuttle service for marina clients that will take you anywhere downtown (leaves on the hour 9am-5pm) and will pick you up where you are if you call and wait a bit.
The Great Loop in a C Dory 25 
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